Gleeson Recruitment Group
Strategic Account Manager

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Strategic Development Manager
About the Role
We are seeking an ambitious and commercially minded Strategic Development Manager to play a key role in the growth and development of a thriving partner network within the Higher Education sector.
This is an exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys combining strategic thinking, relationship management, market insight and business development to create long-term value. The successful candidate will manage a portfolio of university partnerships, identifying opportunities for growth, strengthening strategic relationships and supporting the delivery of business objectives.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Partnership Development
- Develop and support the delivery of strategic partnership plans with key accounts.
- Conduct sector research and market analysis to identify emerging trends and growth opportunities.
- Translate insights and research into practical recommendations and growth initiatives.
- Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with senior stakeholders across partner organisations.
- Identify opportunities to expand existing partnerships and support new business growth.
Business Growth & Collaboration
- Work collaboratively with colleagues across multiple teams to deliver strategic initiatives and business priorities.
- Support contract renewal activity by identifying engagement trends, opportunities and areas for development.
- Use customer insights, benchmarking data and market intelligence to help drive growth across the partner portfolio.
- Foster collaboration across departments to ensure a coordinated approach to partner success and business development.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
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You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
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Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
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Insight, Analysis & Strategic Planning
- Gather and analyse qualitative and quantitative partner feedback to identify opportunities for improvement and innovation.
- Monitor partner performance and identify growth drivers, trends and risks.
- Produce actionable insights and recommendations to inform strategic decision-making.
- Develop growth plans and opportunity maps to support partnership development.
- Act as a key advocate for partner needs and priorities across the organisation.
Marketing & External Engagement
- Collaborate on strategic marketing initiatives that support partner engagement and business growth.
- Contribute to case studies, success stories and partner-led campaigns.
- Support activities that enhance brand awareness and demonstrate value to prospective partners.


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About You
You'll be a strategic and relationship-focused professional who thrives on identifying opportunities, influencing stakeholders and driving growth.
Skills & Experience
- Experience in strategic partnerships, account management, business development or a similar growth-focused role.
- Strong understanding of the Higher Education sector or experience working with universities and educational organisations.
- Ability to interpret market research, data and insights to inform strategic recommendations.
- Excellent stakeholder management and relationship-building skills.
- Experience working collaboratively across functions and influencing diverse teams.
- Strong communication, presentation and negotiation skills.
- Commercial awareness with a proactive and results-oriented mindset.
Personal Attributes
- Naturally curious with a strong interest in market trends and sector developments.
- Proactive, self-motivated and accountable for delivering outcomes.
- A strategic thinker who can balance long-term planning with practical delivery.
- Collaborative and supportive, with a passion for building strong relationships.
- Comfortable sharing best practice and helping others succeed.
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